The resurrected Jesus was on this earth for 40 days before his ascension. Throughout the Bible God has this thing about 40 days. For instance, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days prior to his ministry. What good is it to be resurrected unless you appear to enough people so it can’t be disputed later? The Bible has recorded eleven separate appearances of the risen Christ to over 500 people with great variety as to the time and place.
There were eyewitness testimonies given for each appearance. The disciples themselves had to be persuaded against their wills that Jesus had risen from the dead. Remember the story of doubting Thomas? The fact that meek disciples turned into roaring lions of the faith spreading the gospel of Christ all over the world to the point they were all martyred for preaching, except John, is proof they had seen the risen Jesus. Nothing else could have motivated them to do what they did.
The fact that millions of people since then have known Jesus Christ in their lives bears testimony that Jesus is alive. The evidence supporting the resurrection of Jesus is overwhelming and irrefutable. Below I have listed the appearances of Jesus in the New Testament:
Matthew 28:9-10 – Two women outside of Jerusalem
John 20:15-18 – Mary Magdalene
Luke 24:13-32 – Two travelers on the road to Emmaus
Luke 24:34 – Peter in Jerusalem
John 20:19-25 – Ten disciples in the upper room
John 20:26-31 – Eleven disciples in the upper room
John 21:1-23 – Seven disciples fishing
Matthew 28:16-20 – Eleven disciples on the mountain in Galilee
1 Corinthians 15:5 – More than five hundred people
1 Corinthians 15:7 – James
Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8 – Disciples who watched Jesus ascending into heaven
Witnessing for Christ